Lake Stone

Site Description
Current Forecast

Escambia County

Lake Stone in a 130-acre man-made impoundment constructed in 1967, opened to fishing in 1969 and designated as a Fish Management Area. It has an average depth of 6 feet and a maximum depth of 22 feet. Deepest areas are located near the dam and along the old streambed. A considerable amount of flooded timber remains, providing fish habitat. This lake has been stocked with Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish (shellcracker), Black Crappie, and Channel Catfish. Lake Stone is located in northern Escambia County near Century, FL. Entrance to the lake is located on Lake Stone Rd off SR 4 approximately 1.5 miles west of US 29 in Century. There is one concrete boat ramp with ample parking available on the northwest end of the lake with an additional boat launching site constructed with crushed rock on the northeast side of the lake near the dam. Several earthen fishing fingers have been constructed on the lake to provide fishing opportunities for bank anglers. Bait and fishing supplies are available in nearby Century. Escambia County maintains the Lake Stone Recreation Area located on the northwest end of the lake. This area provides fee-type camping with or without electric/water hookups. Lake Stone is subject to the rules and regulations currently in effect for Fish Management Areas. Please refer to a current copy of Florida Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations. Gasoline boat motors are prohibited from use on Lake Stone; however, use of electric trolling motors is allowed.

For additional information regarding fishing opportunities at Lake Stone contact the Northwest Regional Office at 850-265-3676.

For reserving campsites and cabins in Florida State Parks check the Reserve America website or call 888-622-9190.

*Black Crappie on Lake Stone November 2018.*

During this time of year, look for cold fronts to push fish into deeper water. The warmer days that follow these systems should cause fish to seek forage in shallower areas. Once water temperatures approach mid-60s, Largemouth Bass will begin to spawn in the shallows, so targeting these areas with dark plastic worms/lizards, spinnerbaits, floater-diver type lures, and rat-L-traps can be worthwhile. Bluegill and Redear Sunfish (shellcracker) will likely still be occupying deep-water areas and move to the shallows when temperatures warm. Fish these areas with light tackle, red worms, wigglers, or crickets on the bottom with a small weight. Artificial baits such as beetle spins, roostertails, or curly-tailed grubs can also be effective when fished with a slower retrieve to access deeper water.

Black Crappie generally move into shallower waters to spawn as water temperatures climb into the high 50s. Target deeper coves along the southern shoreline of the lake, around brush piles, near the fishing pier, and fishing fingers with live minnows, small roostertail spinners, crank baits, or plastic jigs. Use beef/chicken livers, commercial “stink-baits,” or earthworms, fished on the bottom to catch channel catfish in deeper portions of the lake.